International Candy

July 11, 2008

We recently had a chance to try out some Spanish candy - the Soft Honey and Almond Turron Bar by 1880. The candy is made by hand in Jijona, Alicante, Spain.

The folks at La Tienda who were nice enough to send us some, warned us that it "was addicting" and that they "eat it for breakfast." So I was anxious to try it out, although I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting into...

In case you're ignorant of what Turrón is, like I was, it is a nougat confection that's typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. In this case, the Turrón is of the Jijona variety, which means its softer because the almonds are reduced to a paste and they add oil. Marcona almonds make up over 65% of the bar, and the almonds are ground together with 100% orange blossom honey.

Generally speaking, Turrón comes in a sealed rectangular package not unlike tofu packaging. We cut the package open to find, coincidentally, something that looked a little like light brown tofu, actually. The smell is amazing, and you can both see and feel the oiliness. Its not completely greasy by any means, but you definitely notice the oil.

When I cut our a small square and popped it in my mouth, the first thing that struck me was the highly unique texture. It feels dry, but it really isn't. In fact, it ends up being quite moist, while at the same time being a bit crumbly. As you chew and the Turrón begins to melt and soften even more, you notice the ever-so-slight crunch that comes from Marcona almond pieces that are so small you don't even see them.

If you've ever had almond butter, imagine that flavor times ten and you'll have the flavor of this Turrón. Mesh that with the honey flavor and you have one tasty treat.

This is a very interesting, very unique, and very delicious candy that everyone should try at least once.

Full disclosure...I've had this a couple times now for breakfast myself...